Together, we’ll celebrate the power of work to transform lives—and honor bold leaders and community champions who are advancing opportunity and economic empowerment across Boston and beyond.
Maura Healey is the 73rd Governor of Massachusetts, making history in 2022 as the first woman elected Governor in the state and the first openly lesbian Governor elected in the country. In just two years, she’s delivered major results for working families—cutting taxes for the first time in two decades, creating the most generous child tax credit in the nation, and signing the $5 billion Affordable Homes Act to tackle the housing crisis. She’s made community college free, expanded access to child care and maternal health, lowered health care costs, and invested billions in roads, bridges, and public transit.
A former two-term Attorney General and professional basketball player, Healey is a fierce advocate for justice, equity, and opportunity. She has safeguarded reproductive rights, driven investment in climate tech and biotech, and championed Massachusetts’ leadership in innovation. Raised in a working-class household, Healey brings deep empathy and purpose to her role—and continues to lead with vision, integrity, and results.
M.L. Carr
Champion of Inclusion Award
M.L. Carr launched his professional basketball career after graduating from Guilford College as an All American and NAIA Championship leader. He played in the ABA, NBA, and internationally—earning MVP honors with the Israel Sabras and All-Rookie honors with the Spirits of St. Louis. After joining the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, where he led the league in steals, Carr became one of the most sought-after free agents and signed with the Boston Celtics in 1979. He played through 1985, winning two NBA Championships and earning a place in Celtics history with his iconic steal and dunk in the 1984 Finals. He later served as Director of Basketball Operations, Head Coach, and Director of Corporate Development for the Celtics, and became a minority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats in 2004.
Beyond the court, Carr launched M.L. Enterprises, served as a spokesperson for major brands, and is now CEO of dSideAI and partner at New Technology Ventures.
A committed philanthropist, he founded the M.L. Carr Scholarship Fund and the John Henry Carr Alzheimer’s and Aging Foundation, earning numerous honors for his community work. He has served on several corporate and nonprofit boards, and is the author of three books. Carr and his wife Sylvia live in Boston and are proud parents and grandparents.
